214: The Power of Being in the Room: Why Nature-Based Educators Need Each Other

## The Power of Being in the Room: Why Nature-Based Educators Need Each Other Have you ever felt like you’re **swimming upstream** as a nature-based educator? You believe in getting children outside. You see the learning, confidence, curiosity, and connection that happen there. But when you’re constantly explaining—or even defending—why this work matters, it can be easy to start questioning yourself. In this episode of the **Outdoor Classrooms Podcast**, I’m exploring the **power of being in the room** with people who understand the work you’re trying to do. Inspired by conversations in our **Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course**, we’ll talk about finding the language to articulate the value of nature-based education, moving from defending our practice to advocating for it, and the idea of **borrowing courage** from others when our own confidence wavers. Because maybe the answer isn’t to swim harder. **Maybe it’s time to find your people.** In this episode, we explore: - Why nature-based educators can feel isolated and begin questioning their practice - How being in the right room changes what we believe is possible - Finding the words to communicate the value of outdoor learning - Moving from defending your practice to advocating for it - The power of “borrowed courage” - Why community is essential for sustaining this work - How the **CIRCLE Community** creates space for nature-based educators to learn, share, question, and grow together If you’ve been feeling like you’re doing this work alone, this episode is your invitation to **get in the room**. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to be the expert. And you don’t have to swim upstream alone. **Find your people. Get in the room. And when you do, hold the door open for the next educator.** ### **Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links:** 🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page) 🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program 🌸 CIRCLE Membership Community ### **Connect with Victoria:** Website: www.outdoor-classrooms.com Email: [Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com](mailto:Victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com) Instagram Facebook ### **Sponsorship Opportunities:** If you believe in the power of outdoor learning and nature-based education, we'd love to partner with you. Sponsoring the *Outdoor Classrooms Podcast* helps support educators while connecting your organization with a passionate community of teachers, school leaders, and families. Contact Victoria at [**victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com**](mailto:victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com) to learn more. ### **Subscribe to the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast** If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and share this conversation with a fellow educator or parent. Your support helps more people discover the transformative power of nature-based education. ### Please take a moment to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and rate or comment on Spotify. Your support makes a big difference in helping the show reach more educators!